Q: What is the Hydrogen Breath Test?
A: The hydrogen breath test (or HBT) is used as a clinical medical diagnosis for people with irritable bowel syndrome and common food intolerances. The test is simple, non-invasive, and is performed after a short period of fasting (typically 8-12 hours).
Even though the test is normally known as a "Hydrogen Breath Test" many physicians may also test for methane in the patients breath in addition to hydrogen.
Studies have demonstrated the importance of hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) production, indicating approximately 35% of healthy adult subjects are methane producers when testing for carbohydrate malabsorption and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
The ability to detect methane can increase the ability to accurately diagnose and eliminate potential false negatives.
In addition to hydrogen and methane, some facilities also measure carbon dioxide (CO2) in the patient's breath to ensure that the samples being analyzed are not contaminated (either with room air or bronchial dead space air). This contamination can result from improper collection, in which some of the respiratory dead space air is captured with the sample, or the technician contaminates the sample with room air during handling.
For patients who wish to have a breath test performed, please fill out the Patient Request Form. In order to provide you with information, you will be asked to provide us with your physican's name, address and telephone number. This way we can also contact your physician about your request to send them the required information so they can provide the test for you.